Ok, first lets discuss... A.N.Y dessert found/discovered/shared with you on my blog is not only fat free, BUT calorie free as well! Why, because I said so!

Anyhoo, check out these fabulously delicious recipe suggestions for your New Years Menu! Oh, so you say, not hosting- well, what a lovely dessert to bring with! Your hostess will surely be thankful! Enjoy!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

We are hosting a small, kid friendly dinner party at our house for New Years! Nothing over the top, or fancy schmancy- paper napkins and all, I can't wait!

This years menu is centered around simply indulgent food. Food that doesn't require insane chef skills, or ingredients you can't pronounce- just good ole down home cooking! Lots of yummy apps, and for the main dish- crazy amazing pulled pork sandwiches with sweet tater fries! Check out these fabulous recipes from Emeril, my chef crush Bobby Flay, and the lovely Paula Deen, Yummmy...

Monday, December 28, 2009

2010, can it be?!? 2010 sounds futuristic, scifi-ish for sure. Regardless, it's upon us, and us party gals must be prepared to greet it! I will surely have a cocktail in hand, and one for every guest that walks through our door!

This party mama will be living it up, as next year I might find myself with a bun in the oven-lol!!!! I am not quite sure what my signature cocktail will be, but I do know it will be simple, and include champagne! Champagne is so fabulous, you really don't need much!

To kick off this week, what better way then to share some crazy simple fabulously fantastic cocktail options. Enjoy!

Sunday, December 27, 2009

The Bornman Family had the most fabulous white Christmas! Our trip to Jersey was just wonderful...filled with crazy amazing food, wine, family, and friends! Back in Maryland and hoping the next 3 days fly by. New Years here we come!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

I love giving crafty gifts, as they are always original and made with love. My family is very creative, so receiving handmade presents is fairly common.

My sister is a talented artist, each year she gives us a new drawing of Charlotte as our Christmas present... it's truly a treasured gift. I am so excited to see this years drawing. Will post pics after the Holidays!

Anyhoo... I decided to make a variety of gift tags as small stocking stuffer gifts this year. There are so many times I forget to buy a card to pair with a present, so I thought these tags might come in handy for a variety of gift giving occasions.

Friday, December 18, 2009

7 days, R.E.A.L.L.Y!?! My math is terrible, and I wish it were true with this countdown!

Anyhooo, here we are... Fab Finds Friday. Since we are upon the Holiday of Giving, I thought what better time then to highlight the best kind of giving- the kind where you really make a difference, the kind where your gift is priceless, and will change lives. Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?

I am a girl power type of girl, I am a working mom, I believe in woman's rights, if you are a women who doesn't vote- that really gets me going, and I feel strongly about choice. Very strongly!

Well... thanks to the big "O", I have recently become aware of an amazing organization. The Girl Effect. The thought behind this organization gives me goosebumps and inspires me.

"There are 600 million adolescent girls living in poverty in the developing world. By giving one of these girls a chance, you start the girl effect. When girls have safe places to meet, education, legal protection, health care, and access to training and job skills, they can thrive. And if they thrive, everyone around them thrives, too."

This year, I will be giving the gift of giving. For every member of my family, I plan to donate on their behalf. I believe in the bigger picture, I believe in women, I believe in change, and I believe every little bit helps.

I hope you find inspiration in an organization this Holiday Season and help those who really need it.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

8 DAYS... are you enjoying my 10 day countdown, or is it making your tummy hurt? My tummy hurts- lol, 8 days- ahhhhh! I have fallen into the "last minute" holiday shopper category. However, I will shop with pride... and possibly get fabulous deals!

In this life I wear many hats, many- but one I never want to go out of style, is the hat I wear as a wife. I love my husband so very much, he is my biggest fan, the most wonderful husband, a best friend, and so much more. Sometimes we get lost in life and forget how important it is to celebrate our love. I never want to forget.

During this holiday season celebrate your love. Don't let life pass you by. Gifts are special, but love is worth so much more.

Last night, after putting Charli to bed- my husband and I had a "stay at home" date night! I made freshly popped popcorn(on the stove, yummy), he set up the Monopoly board and we spent two fabulous hrs with each other.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

This Holiday season has been a bit rough on the Bornmans. We have been busy with a capital B, our slate roof needs to be replaced, and Boulder, our precious Boston Terrier- needs some seriously pricey eye surgery. Needless to say, I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed. Real life has definitely thrown us some lemons.

However, this Hump Day Debbie Downer plans to make some lemonade- extra sweet! Launching Party Box Design is a dream, and overall- life is really great. We have our health, happiness, and love- what more can you really ask for?!?

I honestly can't believe Christmas is 9 days away. This Mamma usually has her Holiday Cards mailed the first week of December, her lights up the day after Thanksgiving, and the blue spruce cut down and sparkling. Well, this year- that time line hasn't really played out. Ooooops!

Anyhoo...16 days into December and my cards are finally in their envelopes, stamped, and ready for Mr. Mailman! Here is the PROOF!

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend. We are! Had a fabulous night out with the hubster and friends(gramps babysat), and today we are having the most wonderful Sunday. The tree lights are on, fireplace is lit and chili is on the stove! mmmm mmmm mmmm...

Check out these cute cupcake toppers and favor tags I recently made for Marin's 2nd Birthday party! Her mommy asked me to use blue, green, red and yellow as the colors. Can't wait to see party pics!

Friday, December 11, 2009

I love you so, however- this week I missed you more then ever. Why did it take you so long to get here?!?

Anyhoooo, let's face it, our lives are jam packed! Free moments... fleeting, our every day to do's surely get in the way. However, I have a fabulous find to share with you, a FIND that will give you a good ole "get up and go" lets start the day kind of feeling, OR a super nice way to end your day!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Giving the gift of cupcakes as a party favor, OR even for the Holidays, a perfect stocking stuffer! Sometimes you are in the mood for a cupcake and don't want the temptation of so much deliciousness, or feel like baking that many!

Basically all you really need to do is buy mason jars, pre-boxed cake mix, and divide into thirds. Then layer with your yummy goodies... maybe hot pink morsels, or a different cake base, coconut, candy cane crunch, pecans, etc.

I do suggest writing small instructions on the back of your favor tags, this way people will know how many eggs to add, bake time, etc.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Well... this has certainly been an eventful weekend for us! Bright and early Saturday morning we found ourselves rushing out the door to the Emergency Room- yes the E.R! Our very first trip...made it just shy of 18 months.

Charli had some new found interest in our holiday stockings and decided to give one a B.I.G ole yankeroo off the fireplace mantel! Well, along with the stocking came a super heavy cast iron stocking holder- which landed right on her "little" big toe!!!! Well... off we went, wet hair(just showered), mismatched clothes, and no make-up! Just enough time to grab a sippy cup and her blanky!

Thankfully- NO BROKEN BONES, just a pretty bruised up, cut up, little big toe! Oh and the stockings... are now being hung with masking tape.

We did end the weekend on a good note by going to a gorgeous tree farm and finding a lovely blue spruce!

Friday, December 4, 2009

Gosh, its just been one of those weeks- sick hubby, sick baby, lots to do- so little time. BUT guess what, now I am relaxing!!! Charli is sleeping, hoping Brad gets home soon, the dogs are snuggled up next to me, all is well.

I could be working, ahh no thanks!

While relaxing I found myself searching for some new cupcake inspiration and found THESE.. gosh Martha I heart you and your creative team!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

If you follow this blog- then you are well aware of my obsession...CUPCAKES! My best friend is hosting her annual Holiday Cookie party in a few weeks, but I don't know if I can bring myself to make cookies, when you can just make cupcakes! lol...

If I were to make cupcakes, they would certainly need toppers!

Inspired by my recent holiday cards(below post), are these ubbbber cute "Holiday Cupcake" Cupcake toppers! I plan to make more creations with these lovely cupcakes!